Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Spatial Strategy

16 September 2003

Project Appraisal: Ashford Hill, near Kingsclere -

Traffic Calming

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 5

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

ASHFORD HILL - TRAFFIC CALMING

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

DECEMBER 2003

COMPLETION DATE:

MARCH 2004

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2003/04

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at June 2003 prices)

(at June 2003

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

50

58

Fees

8

58

58

Less developers/

26

26

other contributions

32

32

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

32

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a) Developer Contributions

26

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

58

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1.5

0.0015

Capital charges

6

0.006

TOTAL net expenditure

7.5

0.0075

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

Following concerns raised by the Parish Council over a number of years, a scheme was developed to reduce traffic speed on the B3051 through the village, on which a number of accidents have occurred. Additionally, speeds on the C111 Ashford Hill Road have also been a concern, with measurements in May 2001 indicating that speeds are high through the village. In total, two personal injury accidents have occurred in the village in the three year period ending April 2003, which can be attributed to inappropriate speed.

A scheme has been developed to reduce traffic speeds through the village involving visual traffic calming (entry gateways and coloured surfacing at the junction of the B3051/C111) in association with a reduction in the speed limit. Additionally, a footbridge is proposed across the brook which will enable pedestrians to be segregated from traffic at the northern end of the village where traffic speeds are highest.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The proposals are consistent with the aims set out in the Hampshire Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 for the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport, ie to reduce the harmful effects of transport, to improve the safety of all travellers and to reduce dependence on the private car.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The works will improve the safety of pedestrians at the northern end of the village and reduce the impact of vehicles passing through the village.

The Scheme details are:

Location

Proposal

Ashford Hill Road

Gateways to enhance the proposed 30 mph speed limit (reduced from 40 mph) and additional 40 mph buffer speed limit.

Ashford Hill Road Junction with the B3051

Coloured surfacing to enhance the existence of the junction.

B3051

Gateways to enhance the proposed 30 mph speed limit (reduced from 40 mph) and additional 40 mph buffer speed limit on the southern approach to the village.

Construction of footbridge over the brook at the northern end of the village to segregate pedestrians and also a gateway to enhance the proposed 30 mph speed limit (reduced from 40 mph).

The design standards adhere to Hampshire County Council's standard and national guidance. The designs will be safety audited.

Environmental Impact

The scheme has been designed to minimise any other visual impact on the environment and should reduce the effects of traffic on the village.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

Procedures for reducing the speed limit are underway. The local Member, Councillor Allen, and the police have approved the scheme for public consultation. It is not expected that substantial objection will be raised by the public as the scheme has been requested by the Parish Council. The procedures for the reduction of the speed limit are therefore expected to be successfully completed. Two of the three 40 mph buffer zones which were requested by the Parish Council have been incorporated in the scheme.

Public Consultation

Discussions have been held at Ashford Hill with Headley Parish Council which identified a list of issues that needed to be investigated. The latest consultation held with the Parish Council was on 10 April 2003 when the proposals were on view. A few comments were raised that have been addressed in the proposals.

Local Member's View

Councillor Allen supports the proposals.

Facilities for the Disabled

Not applicable.

Maintenance Implications

There will be minimal revenue implications from this proposal and they will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

This work will enhance the environment for walking.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

No suitable alternatives.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Ashford Hill

Environment Department

Sheridan House